Celebrating all things Lexus and Nashville.

March 10, 2016March 15, 2016

Lexus GS F VS BMW M3

Jeremy Clarkson, the English broadcaster, journalist, and sports-car aficionado who is best known for his role on the TV show Top Gear test drove the Lexus GS F to let the world know his thoughts for the Sunday Times- and boy we’re we happy he did!

Clarkson opened his review by stating “This is the best Lexus I’ve driven since the LFA, which is also riddled with annoying details, but remains my all-time favorite car” and went on to say “I especially liked the noise. In the mid-ranges — up to, say, 4500rpm — it sounds baleful and hollow, like a lonely wolf. But if you keep your foot planted in the carpet and go up past 6000rpm, it starts to sound as though it’s angry about being a hollow wolf. It sounds — and this is the highest praise you can lavish on any car — like a Ferrari 458 Italia.”

These bold statements from Clarkson inspired us to bring to you this comparison- The Lexus GS F versus the BMW M3 or M5 series.

Exterior

The Lexus GS F is upgraded with a more distinctive and sharper front end, giving it the perfect saloon car finish. It also adorns the F Sport badging. With standard Adaptive Variable Suspension, Variable Gear-Ratio Steering (RWD) and 19-in wheels with staggered-width tires (RWD), the GS F Sport has unrivaled control.

Due to multiple automakers looking to not only join, but out-design BMW in the high speed lane, the refresh button was hit on the M3. The head and taillights receive a sharper, more angular contour, and up front, the M3 now illuminates the road with icy, LED beams. The taillights look more aggressive as well. There are also two new exterior paint colors.

Interior

From first glance the GS F interior does not disappoint. The Lexus GS F is fitted with exclusive low-set sport seats suitable for a true racing fanatic and luxury leathers that appeal to the every day business person. The exclusive low-set sport seats feature a unique foam construction that’s designed to disperse body pressure, increasing support and helping to keep you firmly planted through turns. It also includes perforated leather trim for added edgy style, climate control, exclusive F Sport steering wheel, and optional ambience lighting.

The interior of the M3 received the most work from the previous years model. Updates include chrome trim around the front and rear air vents as well as the radio and climate controls, electric window switch chrome accents, updated navigation system, and improved child seat hardware.

Under the hood

The Lexus GS F includes a high-performance Brembo braking system to handle in turn at quick speeds. It also includes a lightning fast eight speed Sport Direct Shift transmission, (467-horsepower) and V8 engine that emits a throaty, specially tuned engine sound as it screams toward its impressive 7,300-rpm redline.

With an aluminum hood and fenders and carbon-fiber reinforced-plastic bits, this generation M3 is about 176 pounds lighter than the previous M3. The twin-turbo 3.0-liter in line six cylinder spins out 425 horsepower, up from the last-generation 4.0-liter V-8’s 414 hp. Unlike many turbo engines, this one revs to 7,600 rpm, and carries its peak output from 5,500 rpm to 7,300 rpm.

In the words of Jeremy Clarkson “I wouldn’t blame you at all if you went off and bought a BMW M3 or M5 instead. They’re both tremendous. But don’t assume they’re the best of breed. Because in my book this flawed old-school charmer has them beat.” – Don’t count us out!